"The Celf o Gwmpas vision is that art for people with learning disabilities will be recognised as a vital strand of a full life, and that art by people with learning disabilities will be recognised as being artistically rich, expressive and valuable, creating new artwork in the communities of Powys.

This year sees the tenth anniversary of Celf o Gwmpas. To begin the anniversary celebrations a charity concert was held at Doldowlod Hall near Rhayader by kind permission of MT and Julian Gibson-Watt.

Further events are planned as Celf o Gwmpas hold a series of events across Powys. These include a retrospective exhibition in Llandrindod Wells, an artworks display in Penpont, Brecon, and The Big Event; a conference to be held at Doldowlod Hall, Rhayader.

Celf design projects that are suitable for everyone, no matter what the level of disability, and also work to support and promote talented artists who have learning disabilities.

Recent projects include The Ystradgynlais Video Project and Environmental Arts in Brecknockshire & Radnorshire. The BILD funded pilot project "I am Me" was based in Montgomeryshire and explored different means of communication on a one to one basis. An exhibition of recently completed glass work from "Frozen in Time" has been exhibited in Llandrindod.

Radnorshire participants like to take part each year in the Llandrindod Carnival. Last year was a special occasion as it also coincided with the opening of the New Look Celf Gallery.

Sometimes work is sold from the gallery, with the artist earning money for their work. Two of the artists recently asked to display their work in the new gallery are Peter Craythorne and Michael Knight.

Peter had a keen interest in photography, even as a small child, "I began taking photos a long time ago when I was a little boy. My first camera was a box camera.

In 2003 I was invited to take photographs at the Celf O Gwmpas AGM as a record of the event, and was asked back for 2004 and 2005. In my spare time I like taking landscape photos of the village and where I live".

Peter is available for photographic work (although transport will need to be arranged or provided) and he can be contacted via the Celf O Gwmpas office. Peter also runs a camera and photography club, if you are interested in joining him please contact Annie Horner at Celf.

Michael's paintings are intricate and colourful. He began his highly individual and artistic journey five years ago and an exhibition in Welshpool tracked his work from the first tentative stages through to his more recent work in 2006.

Celf o Gwmpas trustees and committee would like to form a Friends of Celf group. If you have a progressive attitude towards learning disabilities and have an interest in the arts, Celf o Gwmpas would like to hear from you.

To find out more about the upcoming events or to be a part of Celf o Gwmpas please use our website listed on this page."

Article by Liz Morrison